Nic Salts vs E-Liquids: The differences explained

If you’re new to vaping—or even if you’ve been at it for a while—you’ve probably heard the terms “Nic Salts” and “E-Liquids” thrown around.

But what do they actually mean, and which one’s right for you?

The choice between Nic Salts and standard E-Liquids can make a big difference to your vaping experience, from the strength of the nicotine hit to how smooth the inhale feels.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each, so you can decide which is the perfect fit for your vaping style.

Let’s clear the air!

What is freebase nicotine?

Standard vape juices often contain freebase nicotine, which goes through a process to eliminate its acidic properties. Developed in the 1960s, freebasing converts the nicotine from its original state into a pure form, which ensures the nicotine retains its properties, but has a stronger potency.

When you buy nicotine replacement products or traditional e-liquids, you'll find that most use freebase nicotine.

The benefits of freebase nicotine:

• Throat Hit: Many people choose freebase nicotine due to the strong throat hit it offers. If you're quitting smoking or have high nicotine needs, freebase e-liquids deliver on intensity.

• Customisable: Another clear benefit of freebase nicotine is its versatility. Manufacturers can use it to create a range of nicotine strengths, including 20mg e-liquids for former smokers, all the way down to 1mg.

• Vapour Production: If you enjoy creating vapour clouds, freebase will deliver. It's also suitable for use in high VG blends used by sub-ohm vapers.

• Flavours: Despite its strength, freebase nicotine pairs perfectly with a variety of vape flavours. Whether you prefer fruity blends, menthol vapes, dessert flavours, or anything else, freebase nicotine will deliver the power, without compromising your taste buds.

The drawbacks of freebase nicotine:

• Harsh Throat Hit: While many people enjoy the harsh throat hit offered by freebase nicotine, it can also be too much for others. If you're not used to high levels of nicotine, you might experience some discomfort.

• Slower Absorption: Freebase nicotine also takes longer to absorb into the bloodstream. Some people prefer a more gradual onset of effects, while others look for instant benefits.

• Higher Vaping Rates: Because you experience a more intense throat hit, you might decide to reduce your nicotine strength. While this isn't necessarily a problem, you'll probably consume more e-liquid, making vaping more expensive.

What are nicotine salts?

Nicotine salts can cause some confusion due to their name. To be clear the salt refers to a reaction between a base and acid, not the type you'd find on your chip.

All nicotine found in traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products is in salt form, and manufacturers can chemically modify nicotine by combining it with acids. The process ensures that nic salts replicate the nicotine found in tobacco leaves, creating a more authentic experience.

The benefits of nicotine salts:

• Smoother Hit: Nicotine salts offer a smooth throat hit, making them more tolerable for beginners and vapers with sensitive throats.

• Quicker Satisfaction: They are absorbed more rapidly by the body, delivering a faster and more satisfying nicotine hit. This can be particularly appealing to former smokers seeking to replicate the immediate effects of cigarettes.

• Lower Nicotine Concentrations: Due to their higher bioavailability, nicotine salts can provide a similar level of satisfaction at lower nicotine strengths compared to freebase nicotine. This can be beneficial for those looking to reduce their overall nicotine intake.

• Ideal for Pod Systems: Nicotine salts are well-suited for smaller, more discreet pod systems, making them convenient for on-the-go vaping.

The drawbacks of nicotine salts:

• More Expensive: Nicotine salts tend to cost more than standard freebase e-liquids. Since they’re typically sold in smaller bottles and designed for low-wattage devices, you might find yourself spending more in the long run.

• Less Customisation: Freebase nicotine offers a wider range of strengths and VG/PG ratios, while nic salts are usually limited to higher nicotine strengths and 50/50 blends. If you prefer tweaking your vape juice to match your setup, nic salts might feel restrictive.

• Potential for Overuse: Because nicotine salts provide a smooth hit and higher nicotine levels, it’s easier to vape more than intended. Unlike freebase nicotine, which gives a harsher hit at high strengths, nic salts can make it tempting to take more frequent puffs.

• Not Ideal for Sub-Ohm Vaping: Nicotine salts aren’t suited for high-powered devices or sub-ohm vaping. Their smoothness and high strength mean they’re best for pod systems, so cloud chasers will need to stick with freebase e-liquids.

We understand that it can be difficult to wade your way through all the jargon that surrounds e-liquids and nic salts, but hopefully our guide cleared some things up for you! Whether you’re an ex-smoker or a vaper looking to strengthen their liquids, nic salts can provide a simple, powerful and effective alternative.